Alvarez 5013

Brown center, fading to black. Chrome tuners. Dark frets with star fret markers. Black pick guard. 20 playable frets (if your fingers are long). Probably 1984. I've been playing this one for 21 years. Received it as a gift from my brother, was the finest guitar I had ever owned up to that time, and still has the best sound of any I have ever owned. No electronics.

I play folk, some classic rock, praise, bluegrass, and occasionally most anything else. This guitar, while not as quick as some, has great sound. I have played this Alvarez with groups that had other models and they coveted my sound. I use a Seymour Duncan Woody amps.

My hands are getting older. Heart problems, stiff hands, sheet metal work, landscaping, worked hard with my hands and have a double jointed thumb, but I played this guitar for most of a solid 2 hours last summer. I received it as a gift, second-hand, but it was set up beautifully. I am currently playing Elixir Polyweb strings and do so for the slightly deeper tone they give.

This guitar stands everything I have put it through. I bought a hardshell case for traveling. I can put it in the back of the pickup, drive to a location, get it out, and nearly always, even with temperature changes of 50 degrees, it will be in tune or very close.

Have never had repairs or dealt the with company.

I own a Fender F-230 and a Ibanez electric. I play this one most. If I lost it, I would look for another. I am looking to have a quality acoustic pickup installed, but will probably do that to the Fender, because I don't want to risk changing the sound of my Alvarez.

This was a guitar given to me in 1986 for graduation. As it was my first guitar it has been played a lot. Transparent over brown in the middle fading to black on the edges and back and neck. Chrome tuners. Rosewood finger board with pearl star inlay. No electronics. Made in Japan, Ser# starts with 85xxxx assume it was made in 85 I got it new in June 86.

This guitar sounds beautiful. It sounds the same as the first day I played it! I just put some new Martin Medium strings on and this guitar sounds beautiful. I was told years ago by a guitar tech that it didn't have strong bass sounds, I think he's nuts, but thats what he said.

The set up was done by the shop my family bought it from on June 86. The action was low without buzz and the finish was perfect. I don't know a lot about the mechanics of guitars but this guitar has to compare to any high end American made at the time. I know it does now for sure. The tuning keys are just plain.

The only problem with this guitar is the g string tunig. I 've always had trouble with it. Don't know why. It goes in tune ok just not as easy as the other keys. Had some fret work done. Years of bending strings really pitted the frets. The finger board is indented
as well especially the positions of a D chord. Its not even a question if I'd play it out, YES

Didn't realize they had one. Did not receive a case with this guitar or any kind of paper work or warranty info.

I've been playing this guitar over 20 years. It is showing its age but it honestly sounds as good as it ever has. Its the only acoustic I've ever owned. I don't play professionally, the play is flawless never even thought to add another. I also own a G & L Legacy electric.

I bought this awesome 1978 model 5013 Alvarez at a pawn shop that my friend owns and operates.It is a Japan made model and has the earlier dot markers as opposed to the stars that came out in later years.It has a solid spruce top with very dark back and sides that I believe may be rosewood.The finish is antique fiddle brown sunburst.

I play mostly Bluegrass,and let me tell you,this guitar grasses perfectly.I am primarily a banjo picker,so volume in an acoustic guitar is very important to me.This guitar can hang with my very loud 1970 alvarez banjo all day long.When it comes to straight rhythmn,look out,it's got what it takes.When I'm in the mood to play a hot bluegrass lead,It's comes through then too.I own a Martin which I play alot and like very much,and this guitar gives it a huge run for it's money.I'm not taking anything away from C.F.Martin,but this old Alvarez sees alot of playing time.It's one of those rare flat-tops that makes the fillings in your teeth hurt when you strum it with meaning.

When I got the guitar it needed minor attention.I repaired one tuner and replaced the saddle with bone.Action is superb!!!!!!!!!!

This guitar was made 10-04-1978,and it seems to have survived alot of hard playing.Good solid guitar!

If you like the thumping bass sound of an old acoustic guitar,you will definitely love this guitar.Whether I'm playing hard driving ryhthmn for a hot mandolin player,or playing a soothing gospel arrangement in church,this guitar shines!!!!!

I am not sure what year it is but i do know its a 5013 serial # 63406
and was made in Japan.
It's got 21 frets with the old stars shapes on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 17th fret.
Its got a solid top that has transparent black/Dark Brown paint over it.
It has a palm rest with no pick-up(s)and is made out of either Mahogony or Ash.... It is redish brown color wood!?
The Head has a vertical lokking Diamond with the 2 opposite "A"'s.
The tuner are the ugliest i've ever seen but its never been out of tune unless i've man handled it or played with the tuner knobs (WHICH ARE CHROME or ALUMINUM)
I've been playing this guitar since i was 6 yrs old and my dad has passed it down to me it is by the far the best one i've heard compared to any other guitars out there. My Dad got it in the 70's, i dont know the exact date.

It sounds good for all musical genre. The sound is so great with the best bass and treble i've heard in an acoustic guitar. The sound is full and crisp. I have played with it and have done leads from lynard skynard, santana, guns-n-roses, and other band that used more technique than these newer bands and it never cried or bottomed out.
There is nothing i dont like about this guitar

Like i said this is the best guitar out there and the only flaw there is was caused by me personally which is deffinatly not major, just a little wair on the top of the box from going in and out of the case .....nothing sanding and finishing couldn't cure

From the time me dad had it to the time he passed it down to me , the only things weve changed on it is the strings. I have had in in my band for 4 yrs now and its has lasted the pain i have inflicted on it ....i take more care of it now because i love it and never want to have to quit playing it. I am sure enough to play it in a gig with out a back up or string or tuner

hahaha.... thats a funny question . You get this guitar you wont have to call this company unless its to get some more guitars or accessaries

There is only one thing i would change on this guitar and thats the tuner pegs....but only because there ugly. This guitar WILL be the last guitar you buy. If it got stolen i would TRY to find another one, but good luck....no one in there right mind would come off of this guitar at any price.

I purchased my black 1982 Alvarez 5013 new. Serial number is 39946. It is a dreadnaught with no cutaway and no factory electronics. I believe I paid around $350 for it. I added a soundhole pickup to it and with that I had all I needed.

I have sang and played rhythm guitar with my 5013 since I bought it. I use a flat pick and do mostly old 60's R & R and ballads and "old style" country. This guitar puts out better sound than 90% of the new "professional" guitars of today. It has great sound with or without amplification. The projection, depth, tone and sustain are all fantastic. Depending on which strings you use, you can get nearly any type of sound you want out of it. I used Martin Marquis medium strings for years, then changed to Elixers when the came out because they sound as good and last longer. I now use medium Elixers when I feel in the mood for a more bassy tone and light Elixers when I feel like I want sharper bass and an overall brighter sound.

This guitar has never been adjusted (not even the neck) or needed any work done on it since day one. Everything fit right and the guitar looked beautiful right from the start.

A music store owner told me a few years ago that the Alvarez 5013 is called the "Ironhorse". He said this was what he found when he looked it up in his guitar "blue book". It certaunly could be called the "Ironhorse" from my experience. My guitar has been played in various venues from house parties to professional stage for 22 years and it still plays and looks like a new guitar !! It spent most of it's life in the midwest, then came with me to Arizona 6 years ago. It stays in tune very well, however like all musicians, I check and make minor adjustments to tuning before each use. One small surface dent (my fault) is it's only flaw after all the escapades it has been through. It is one tough guitar.

Never had to contact them.

I've been playing guitar and singing for 45 years. I am an Alvarez fan to the highest degree due to my experience with my 5013. I own a newer Alvarez AD60SCBK which I bought because of the onboard 600 electronics. I also just bought an Alvarez Yairi WY1BK (used) that I will have in my possesion next week. The AD60SCBK sounds good, but the 5013 still beats it. I'm curious to see how the highly touted Yairi stacks up against it. If you ever get a chance to get your hands on an older Alvarez dreadnaught, try it....I'm sure you'll like the sound. I love mine and if I had to keep only one guitar it would be my old 5013 "Ironhorse"

I've never had the need for support

Bought this guitar new about 20 yrs ago. I went in to purchase an Ovation...popular guitar at the time. Played on every guitar in the store.. nothing fit my fancy. The dealer brought this one out from the back and I fell in love with it the first time I saw it. About 18 years ago, I sanded down the bridge a little a got the action lower. Everyone who has ever picked it up has commented on the tone and light action. The finish on the neck has developed some cracking but other than that, the finsish is still great. This guitar has seen some rough treatment over the years...lot's of late night, outdoor jam sessions and such. Still sounds and looks great. Used to have a 68 Gibson J45 as well. Sold the J45..kept the Alvarez..need I say more!

I think my 5013 (I call it my "Alvarez Black") was made in 81 or 82. I had it set up by a friend and knew that Alvarez made a better than average unit. Solid spruce top and laminated sides and back. Excellent workmanship - Look inside the guitar and you won't find extra glue, chipped wood, etc. This is clean. I had a pick-up added at the butt end on the guitar strap holder. Works great. Transparent finish, black all over with a greyish burst on the face and pearl looking star inlays on the neck. The back has a nice thin line running up and an ivory looking wrap around the body top and bottom. The others are right - this sucker STAYS in tune and it's true! (Usually the B and low E strings have to be adjusted after tuning on some guitars, but this one is true. Use the harmonics and you're set to go.) My rating is in comparison with laminate side/back and solid top guitars.

Go ahead. Test this one against Bourgete (sp?), Gibson, Taylor and Martin solid wood models costing between $2,000 and $5,000. This one is strung with lights and carries bass as good as the rest and highs that are better. Very full bass and bright highs and I'm talking over 20 years later! The ONLY problem I've had was I got a slight after buzz on the high E only when finger picking and only on the up stroke. I took a half turn on the neck adjustment and no more buzz.

Again, a friend set up my initial action. (I like it low) Compare this to a perfectly set up Taylor and you'll find no difference in the difficulty of play. Even with it set up low, Hulk Hogan couldn't get this sucker to buzz on a hard stroke. The finish is a little weak. Well, maybe not weak, just thin. It's beautiful when polished, but black on anything shows everything. (Ever had a black car?) I've always had mine in a hard shell case with soft guts and therefore, mine's as close to new looking as you'll find, but I do have some light scratches (mostly on the pick guard and buff marks from shirt buttons on the back) Frets all were adjusted well. Easy to bar chord and clean sounds all the way up the fret.

No problem withstanding live playing with this model. However, a person good with woodworking, finishing, etc. could put a coat or two of clear finish (varnish?) on this baby and make it a little deeper. Nothing has busted loose. Even he cheap tuning knobs are bullet-proof. I've considered another 6 string, but can't justify it until this one quits performing. I WILL have to spend over $3,000 to replace the sound and action (and looks! I like it!). I've got a nice classical and a solid wood 12 string ($2 G's 20 years ago!) and this IS my 6 string of choice.

N/A - why?

Well, I answered this one already. This is a solid 9, maybe a 10. I give it a 10 for a guitar that's not solid wood front to back. It's amazing that this sucker could challenge the big boys and Alvarez is hard to find now days. I chose it because it was black and had the star inlays. The ivory looking outline on the body really highlighted the unit. If lost, I'd look everywhere to find the same thing. I really think this unit has a chance of wonderful appreciation. (Do laminates appreciate? - this one should!)

Japanese-made so-called "entry level" acoustic. By today's standards it would be more on the pro level. From what research I've been able to do, these were manufactured from roughly 1976 to 1983. Mine has a serial number beginning 66XXXX, so it's probably later than 1981. Bound neck, top, and back, rosewood board with small pearl star inlays, black MADE IN JAPAN sticker with gold lettering on back of headstock, abalone inlaid logo on headstock, covered chrome tuners (kind of cheap looking, but work remarkably well), truss rod adjusts at sound hole. Mine is a dark brown burst fading to black edges, and appears to be a two-piece spruce top. Two piece mahogany back, mahogany sides (appears to be laminate). Neck appears to be 24 1/2 inch scale with medium frets. Rosewood bridge painted black to apparently simulate ebony (the paint has rubbed off on one edge from player's wear), black pickguard with white edge, no electronics. I gave it a 7 for features merely in comparison to modern acoustic/electrics. As far as comparing it to other true acoustics (no electronics), it's got as many or more cosmetic/functional features than most.

The tone is remarkable! It's a very deep-sounding yet bright and articulate instrument. It cuts and booms at the same time. Typical of a dreadnought, it's well-balanced, with maybe slightly more emphasis on the treble side than the bass side. A light touch playing fingerstyle is clearly heard, and strumming the crap out of it with a heavy pick still sounds clear and well-defined.

First, the negatives, and keep in mind the age of this instrument...a couple of the frets are trying to pull up from the binding, but they're not in the way and could probably be tamped back down without major work. The plastic bridgepiece has become grooved and was causing some fret-out on the high E string...this could be easily remedied with a new one, or as I did, placing a small shim under the treble side of the piece and tapping it back in. The finish is bad, yet good...the burst color is kind of cheesy-looking (a matter of taste, I suppose) and the finish is quite thin...however, a thin finish, while not looking so good as it ages, lets the guitar resonate better. It's quite succeptible to pick scuffing, scratches, and dings. Now on to the good things...The action and playability are superb all the way up the neck, and the radius is perfect for comfy chording or blues bends. I have yet to play a Martin or Gibson that can top this guitar's action. The alignment is dead-on, leaving a comfortable spacing between strings and enough room at the edges of the fretboard to not worry about pulling a string over the edge. Every bit of the binding, body and neck, is tight and intact. There's very little bridge pull-up on the top, and the plastic bridgepins all seat well. 10 for the action, 6 for the cosmetics.

It's mainly my living room/songwriting guitar, but my brother-in-law gigged with it. It's needed VERY little attention other than routine maintenance. It still feels nice and solid, very comfortable and stable.

Never contacted Alvarez.

Although this one was free, it'd be a bargain in my opinion up to about $400. I don't know what they're going for now, but chances are anyone that's got one would probably keep it. I love mine and would never willingly part with it. I'd definitely buy another if it's been cared for and didn't need work. I've been playing (mainly electric) for 22 years, and have owned probably 10-15 acoustics including other Alvarezes, a Martin, two Gibsons, and a few cheapos. This guitar ranks well in the top percentage for me...great tone and feel, kind of ugly color. I'll keep this thing forever, so you see where my priorities lie, LOL!

It's a Dreadnaught, made in Japan in 1980. Laminated back and sides, solid spruce top. The finish is a transparent black, with a rosewood fingerboard, whitish binding on the body, fingerboard, and headstock.
The tuners are chrome, no name, but it stays in tune forever. I can leave this thing in the case for three months, and take it out and play, it's still in tune. There's no pickup.

This guitar sounds as good or better than guitars costing hundreds more. I've played many high end instruments over the years, including Martins, Taylors, Gibsons and Guilds, and very few sound better than this guitar. It's crystal clear, no muddyness at all, and "LOUD". I use light D'addario phosphor bronze strings, and this thing SINGS.

Unbeleivable action. Very low, with no buzzing. It plays like butter.
I've never had to adjust the neck, and even if I go without playing for a month or so and lose my calluses, this thing is very easy to play. No flaws in the guitar at all.

It's 21 years old, and it's held together perfectly up til now. I don't play professionally, but I've brought it to many jams, and I never worry about having trouble with it.
The finish is still almost like new, with the exception of minor scratches on the back and pickguard from normal use. I take really good care of my guitars, so it's never been abused.

I never had a need to contact them.

I've been playing 20-plus years, and I own a couple electrics and a couple other acoustics. If it were stolen or lost or damaged I'd be devastated. I'd never find a better guitar in this price range. I've played guitars in the $700 price range that sound like crap compared to this guitar.